Ford Everest Titanium 2017 Review

Ford has added a new wheel and tyre package to the most luxurious Everest Titanium large SUV as it seeks to boost its appeal to serious off-roaders. A no-cost option, it replaces the 20-inch package with the 18s from the mid-spec Trend, as well as adopting that model’s suspension tune.

Who says going off-road has to be a primitive and Spartan experience?

Well, not Ford obviously, because it has just added a new version of the most luxurious Everest Titanium large SUV to the line-up.

A no-cost option, it swaps out the standard 20-inch wheel and tyre package for the 18-inch combo from the mid-spec Trend.

The extra tyre sidewall offered by the 18-inch rubber is meant to add that little bit of extra puncture protection and ride comfort to the Everest in off-road conditions.

The Titanium’s new wheel and tyre package is the latest addition to the locally-developed Everest line-up, which has been growing ever since its 2015 launch.

What’s it all about?
It’s a straight-forward proposition actually.

Unplug the 20x8.5 wheels and 265/50 tyres from the Everest Titanium and plug in the Trend’s 18x8.0 wheels and 265/60 rubber.

Along with the wheel and tyre package you also get the Trend’s suspension, stability control and terrain management system tune.

The tyre is a Bridgestone Dueller H/T (Highway Terrain), which is a little curious because an A/T (All Terrain) tyre would potentially make more sense considering what the package is aimed at.

Having said that, during an extensive test drive which included some gnarly rocky steps, we suffered no punctures.

Some other important off-road oriented aspects to note; the spare tyre is full-size and mounted on an 18-inch alloy wheel, the braked towing capacity is unaffected at 3000kg and the wading depth is the same at 800mm.

There are no changes to outputs from the 3.2-litre Duratorq five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which makes 143kW, 470Nm and averages 8.5L/100km, working in tandem with a six-speed auto.

Another unchanged number that’s quite important is the 80-litre fuel tank. For true off-road work far from the madding crowd that’s a bit under-sized.

How much will it cost?
This is a no-cost option, on top of the $74,701 manufacturer listed price (plus on-road costs) of the Everest Titanium.

Why should/shouldn’t I buy it?
If you are a dedicated off-roader then this option makes lot of sense. Anything that reduces the potential for punctures and improves comfort on our corrugated outback roads is to be applauded.

In fact, the 18-inch option also improves ride comfort on-road as well, so that’s another argument in its favour.

Why not buy it? If you like the biggest wheels and bling then stick with the 20s.

When is it available in Australia?

It’s available now.

Who will it appeal to?
The Everest Titanium is a real off-roader with true rock, sand and mud conquering ability. This new option just adds a little more capability.

Based on the same T6 ladder frame architecture as the Ranger, albeit with coils and a Watts link replacing the one-tonner’s leaf springs, the Everest is locally tuned and it really shows.

There’s no air springs here, no adjustable height capability or active dampers, yet get rolling on a deeply corrugated road so typical of the Aussie outback and it copes brilliantly.

It also has enough ground clearance to deal with gnarly steps and creek crossings and the like. Traction via the low-range system is simply not an issue in all but the most brutal of situations.

The Everest also steers and handles exceptionally well, wherever it might be. It really is an impressive drive and much more connected than a Toyota Prado, the vehicle Ford insists it’s a rival for rather than the HiLux-based Fortuner.

On-road the five-cylinder engine is a bit of a clattery lump, but enthusiastic with it. The Everest comes standard with active noise cancellation which improves its refinement.

However, the Titanium’s interior doesn’t feel like it’s worth the money being charged for it. The commercial vehicle base comes through in things like the narrowness of the cabin, the manual rake-only steering column adjustment and the clunky way some controls are accessed in the instrument panel and in the SYNC3 media screen.

You do get three seating rows standard, but I’d prefer not to be in the back thanks. It’s pretty cramped.

Where does it fit?
Ford is pitching this new version of the Everest as one for the luxury off-roader.

Standard equipment exclusive to the Everest Titanium includes blind spot monitoring, active park assist, tyre pressure monitoring, leather seats (except row three) and leather-wrapped gearshift, ambient lighting, illuminated front scuff plates, a powered panoramic sunroof, eight-way powered and heated front-seat adjustment, power folding third row, chromed running boards, HID headlights and LED daytime running lamps.

Significant equipment shared with lesser models includes seven airbags (including side bags that extend to row three), adaptive cruise control with forward collision alert, lane keeping, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, active noise cancellation, dual zone climate control, Ford’s SYNC3 connectivity system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite-navigation, a power tailgate.

The entry-level Ambiente and mid-spec Trend are both offered with rear- and four-wheel drive, while the Titanium is 4x4 only. All 4x4 Everests come with low-range gearing and an electronic locking rear differential.

The Ambiente has five seats standard, while the other two offer seven seats.

So, what do we think?
The Everest Titanium is an impressive off-roader. A week spent in this vehicle in some truly challenging and diverse outback conditions proved its capabilities.

The question is do you spend the $74,701 on the Titanium or save around $16,000, drop some safety and luxury equipment and opt for the Trend? After all, that’s where this tyre and tuning package comes from.

Either way, you’re going to get a vehicle really suitable to rugged Australian off-road conditions.

2017 Ford Everest Titanium pricing and specifications:
Price: $74,701 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.2-litre turbo-diesel five-cylinder
Outputs: 143kW/470Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.5L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 224g/km (Estimated)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP)